The Mosley Review: Da 5 Bloods

In our world right now, racial tension, murder and injustice is at an all time high. The tension in the streets, in law enforcement and in our government is beyond the boiling point. More voices of color are being heard as many more are being snuffed out and it is disturbing. Black voices are being heard in the news, radio, music and in film. There are many black voices in film, but none of them are as loud, artistic, poignant, educational and forever relevant than Spike Lee. Lee is a man that no matter what genre he places his hand on, informs you of the world and how it has changed for the better and how it has for the worst. Through his camera lens, you see and hear his thoughts on war and how many different faces it wears. The Vietnam War will forever go down in history as the most infamous and disgusting war to ever happen. As a son of a veteran of that war, I saw what it has done to a person that has survived it. The PTSD, the horrible memories and the nightmares are all real and Spike Lee is one of the few directors that will not shy away from showing that. He will stay on that trauma and let you feel it as the characters do. This film was not only a story of a squad reuniting, it is a re-education of the past for the new generation. Some say Lee's eyes have fogged a bit. This film shows that his eyes have always been wide open and his voice is more powerful then ever.

This cast is filled with talented people and legends, but they all give legendary performances. Clarke Peters was outstanding and solid as Otis. He delivers his effortlessly empathetic charm and steadiness. Norm Lewis was amazing and loving as Eddie. He was the lightest heart of the squad and he was great. Isiah Whitlock Jr. was as Melvin was awesome and hilarious as you'd expect. He delivered the levity in the heavier moments of the story. Delroy Lindo has always been one of my favorite actors growing up and he delivers an Oscar caliber performance as the PTSD stricken squad member Paul. Like I said, I have seen the affect of the war first hand and he did an excellent portraying a more serious version of trauma and it was sometimes tough to watch. Throughout the film you see him slip away from current time and then sink back into the war mindset. He may have been right to be suspicious, but he was wrong in many other ways. In my opinion, this was the best performance of his entire career. Chadwick Boseman delivers another show stopping performance as one of the driving characters and narratives of the film, "Stormin" Norman. He felt ripped right out of the 60's era and he was beyond excellent. Together they are known as the 5 Bloods and you feel their bond. Johnathan Majors was excellent as Paul's son David and you see the strained relationship between them throughout the film. Mélanie Thierry was great as Hedy and I liked the chemistry between her Majors. Paul Walter Hauser was one of Hedy's team members Simon and he was great as well. Jean Reno was elegant and striking as Desroche. He is a legendary French actor and I'm always happy to see him on screen.

The score by Spike Lee's long time composer, Terence Blanchard, was elegantly warm, heartfelt and beautiful. Every director finds their composer that understands their work and Terence understands Spike. The soundtrack in a Spike Lee Joint is always a highlight and this film was no different as you're constantly being serenaded by the legendary Marvin Gaye. The film was beautiful to look at and visually distinct within Lee's filmography. I liked that the scenes in Vietnam were shot in the same super 8 style and the present was in wide then full frame. The transition between the formats was so smooth. Spike Lee has always made films that have multiple themes and they educate the masses on violence in communities, racial oppression, mental health and political statement. This film is no different, but he puts the story first and mixes his voice together with it perfectly. This film was not only a heist war film, but a film that looks back into the history of America and black icons. Some of them I never knew about myself. This film was absolutely one of the best Spike Lee Joint's I've ever seen and one of the best films of 2020. It is out now on Netflix and it is a MUST WATCH!